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TRUE-VUE 2 - The Ultimate Chemical Management System for Car Washes
car wash
chemical management
Introduction
TRUE-VUE 2 is a chemical management system that prioritizes its users by maximizing and optimizing your chemical operations. TRUE-VUE 2 is a system created by Transchem for the Turtle Wax Pro brand, meaning it pairs perfectly with Turtle Wax Pro's hyper-concentrated chemicals.
Our chemical management system was designed to be compact and easy to use which ensures it's both easy on your employees and on the eyes. The deluxe model also gives any car wash the ability to monitor their chemicals with real-time data. These advantages can take any car wash to a new standard of consistency and reliability while minimizing time spent in the backroom.
History and Development
TRUE-VUE was launched in 2018 to revolutionize the backroom of car washes.
The system was designed with several goals in mind to solve many issues prevalent in car wash backrooms all over the world.
Containment
Smaller jug size was a major focus for TRUE-VUE 2 as it would improve health and safety standards for employees.
Chemical Usage
Traditionally, draw testing methods are used to see the chemical usage and what is left in a chemical tank. TRUE-VUE 2 was designed to make the process less time-consuming, without the need for equipment.
Remote Access
The need to be physically present was a major barrier TRUE-VUE 2 intended to break through with remote access technology.
Development
Developing TRUE-VUE 2 was a complicated process as it needed to cross into new territory in multiple aspects while still being a one-size fits all system that could work seamlessly.
Two main challenges that had to be worked through in the development process were perfecting the installation and the operation process to be used in any type of car wash anywhere.
Features
TRUE-VUE 2 carries many unique benefits that ensure an improved backroom space for your car wash.
Standard Model
The Standard model is safe, simple, and secure which makes it a great addition to any car wash needing some reliable chemical organization, backroom optimization, and peace of mind. TRUE-VUE 2 transforms any ordinary backroom into a well-utilized, efficient, and attractive system where all of your chemicals can live.
The chemical tanks stack along the wall which opens up desirable and much-needed space within the backroom. They also feature easy-to-see volume markings along with a snap closure lid which prevents spills. Possibly the greatest benefit is the drop-and-go loading system which makes it a breeze to refill the tanks with the desired car wash chemical. This makes the process much easier on your employees and prevents injuries and messes.
Deluxe Model
The deluxe model offers all the features of the standard model and the ability to monitor your chemicals in ways that bring your car wash into 2023.
The deluxe model allows you to see real-time data for any number of car wash locations from any device with internet access.
That includes access to visual dashboards that showcase:
Monitoring ability for up to 22 tanks per location
Current and historical data for average cost per car, average usage per car, chemical cost per period, and wash counts
Actual versus expected daily usage and costs
Ability to export data into other formats and reports
Additionally, the deluxe model has automated alerts which notify key users on low tank levels, overfilled tank levels, unexpected usage and abnormalities, the tank being loaded, and the ability to notify your staff.
These benefits present unmatched control over your chemicals along with significant information that can help you identify patterns and improve operations.
New Features - Effective November 1st, 2022*
These new features have been effective in all deluxe TRUE-VUE 2 models since November 1st, 2022.
TRUE-VUE 2 has been given a brand new portal that presents a variety of new benefits for users. All while now giving us the right to own all of the data being gathered rather than working with a third party.
One of the new changes is the installation process. Our service team now has an app where your TRUE-VUE 2 system can be tested on-site to mitigate any installation problems found after the fact.
Other changes and updates include product use analysis which shows a blended cost per car, and floor inventory tracking. The tracking is automatic and deducts or adds inventory as you use and receive products. Finally, manual chemical reordering can be done from within the portal.
Implementation into Car Washes
Implementing TRUE-VUE 2 is a simple process for car washes. It has been created in a step-by-step procedure to ensure little to no issues and a smooth experience.
After an agreement is signed with a car wash, the needed tanks and racks along with our experienced service team are sent to the location where they install and test the system.
TRUE-VUE 2 Training and Support
System training is done at the time of installation by our service team. They are happy to answer any questions operators may have and help them become acquainted with their new monitoring system.
Tank Training
Training related to the tanks will be conducted to ensure a thorough understanding of the drop-and-go loading system.
Portal Training
If the deluxe model is chosen, operators will be trained on how to use the monitoring platform to view their tank levels, set up alerts, manage inventory and more.
Support
Both onsite and virtual training is available upon request for service, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
In addition, users can contact our operational support team through the TRUE-VUE 2 portal or directly email truevue@transchem.com for any questions or requests related to the system.
Advertising A Car Wash: How to Succeed in a Multi-Billion Dollar Industry
car wash
business owner
advertising
marketing
Mack Ewing
Director, Strategic Initiatives
Here at Turtle Wax Pro, we understand the difficulty in succeeding within the car wash industry, and especially in trying to stand out in the market.
The car wash space has many substitutes available to consumers, ranging from self serve to full automated washes. This creates the need for your wash to stand out in the eye of consumers.
Advertising can be a great way to increase business as your potential audience can be attracted and enticed towards your car wash over another!
By targeting consumers with specific and different forms of ads, businesses can attract new customers and grow their business in ways they could not done before.
Advertisements are not only for gaining new customers, they can be essential for building general brand awareness and improving loyalty for your existing users.
In this article, we'll be walking you through why advertising is important, how you can use advertising to strengthen your business, and how you can start creating impactful advertisements.
The Car Wash market is a multi-billion dollar industry.
There are over 25,000 car washes in the United States alone. The industry employs over 150,000 people and generates over $9 billion in annual revenue.
Even now, growth is still occurring at a rapid pace. In fact, the industry is expected to grow by 3% every year.
This growth is driven by the rise in vehicle ownership, increase in per capita income, and the need for car owners to maintain their vehicles.
With the right car wash advertising strategy, businesses can tap into this growing market and improve their bottom line.
The Car Wash Market
Despite the large size of the market, the car wash industry is very fragmented.
The top 50 companies account for less than 20% of the total market share. This leaves a large opportunity for small and medium sized businesses to increase their market share.
There are many different types of car washes, from self-service to full-service. There are also a variety of different services that you can offer, from express wash to detailing.
No matter what type of car wash you have, there are plenty of things you can do to increase business and market share.
The Car Wash Industry is a Tough Market
If you run a car wash, you know that competition is fierce.
Many car washes are going out of business because they can’t keep up with the competition and provide quality services at reasonable prices.
So how can you make sure that your car wash stays competitive?
Advertising is a way to help ensure that your wash stays competitive and has a consistent flow of customers.
Advertising allows your car wash business to attract new customers, customers from competing businesses and may even stop current customers from going elsewhere. .
Unfortunately, many local businesses are going out of business because they haven’t been able to keep up with the competition as there likely are many car wash options to choose from in any given area.
Standing out is difficult, but is a must to attract customers.
Quality services and reasonable prices are important for success in owning a car wash.
If you want your car wash to be successful, you need to offer quality services at reasonable prices.
Unfortunately, many car washes are going out of business because they can’t keep up with the competition and provide quality services at reasonable prices.
In a competitive market like the car wash market, there are many substitutions present. That means for customers to choose your wash, you must provide a great wash at a great price.
Advertising a Car Wash
The first step to increasing business is to make sure that customers are aware of your car wash. Advertising can be a great way to do this.
There are many different ways to advertise and utilizing a mix of methods is the best way to ensure results.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
First, businesses should consider what type of ad would be most effective for reaching their market.
The type of car wash will dictate exactly what type of ad to use. For example, a self service car wash may have a different marketing strategy than a full service car wash.
Second, businesses should make sure that their ads are creative and attention-grabbing.
Attractive visuals, key words, free services (or discounted) will all be attention grabbing to your audience.
Finally, businesses should track the results of their car wash advertising campaigns to ensure that they are effective.
Trial and error is sometimes the only way to succeed.
An important thing to remember when it comes to advertising car washes is that not all methods will work for every business. If you want more customers, it is important to experiment with different types of ads and see what works best for your company.
Car Wash Marketing Ideas
There are a variety of different ways to advertise your car wash.
You can use print ads, radio spots, social media campaigns, and outdoor signage, just to name a few.
By using a variety of car wash marketing techniques, you can reach a wider audience and bring in more customers who will appreciate the convenience and quality of your car wash service.
Print Ads
One way to advertise your car wash is through print ads. You can place ads in newspapers, magazines, or even direct mailers. Make sure to include your car wash’s name, address, and phone number so customers can easily find you.
Distributing flyers in the local area is also a great way to promote your car wash.
You can also include a coupon or special offer in your print ad to entice new business to try out your services. For example, you could offer a discount for first-time customers or a free car wash with the purchase of a detailing package.
Radio Spots
Another way to reach customers is through radio spots. You can buy airtime on local radio stations and create ads that will play during drive time.
Like print ads, make sure to include your car wash’s name, address, and phone number in your radio spot so customers can easily find you. You can also include a sales promotion within it, to cause more listeners to act.
Social Media Campaigns
In today’s world, social media is a powerful marketing tool. You can use social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to reach customers. Other social media sites such as LinkedIn and TikTok could prove to be useful car wash marketing tools as well.
Social media accounts are crucial for car washes because they provide a way to connect with customers and promote deals or discounts.
When creating social media posts, be sure to use attractive visuals and persuasive copy. You want to grab people’s attention and make them want to learn more about your car wash.
Make sure to include a call-to-action in your posts, such as “Visit our website to learn more” or showcasing particular services that customers will love to have done to their vehicles.
Outdoor Signage
Another way to reach potential customers is through outdoor signage. You can place banners, signs, and flags around your car wash to grab people’s attention.
Make sure your signage is visible and legible from a distance. You want people to be able to see it and read it easily so they know what your business is and what services you offer.
You can also use outdoor signage to promote special services such as your for top of the line package.
Many companies (including Turtle Wax Pro) have outdoor signages that are very appealing to the eye and showcase a premium nature to them, which cause customers to try them out.
By using a variety of advertising techniques, you can reach a wider audience and bring in more customers to your car wash which will aid in succeeding even in the most competitive market.
What do you Write in a Car Wash Advertisement?
Here are a few ideas of what you can include in your car wash ad:
Your business name
Your logo
A tagline or slogan
Attractive visuals
Information about your location
Unique Aspects
What services you offer
Specials or promotions you are running
A call to action note that entices consumers
Having a variety of these ideas can help your ad stand out from your competitors and help drive sales.
How to Create a Tagline or Slogan for a Car Wash?
Your tagline or slogan should be easily recognizable, so customers can remember it and associate it with your brand.
It should be reflective of what your company does or what you want your company to be known for. Whether it be affordable rates or the best cleaning job in town.
Also, your tagline or slogan should be reflective of your company’s values. (ex: environmentally focused)
What makes your Business Different?
The aspects that make your car wash different than the one down the road should be included in your advertisements.
You may be a local business, the only one using a specific brand of products, touchless as opposed to using brushes, an established brand, or vastly more experienced.
Small businesses have the opportunity to focus on community service or being more personal with their customers. Thus, many consumers choose to support small businesses over other options.
These are all examples of characteristics that make your car wash business stand out and are potential reasons why customers will choose you over another.
Unique Advertising Ideas for your Car Wash Business
The car wash marketing strategies mentioned before are significant in bringing awareness to your wash. But you might already have the basics covered, or maybe you want to try something different to set your business apart.
If that’s the case, here are some unique advertising ideas for your car wash business:
Sponsor a Local Sports Team or Another Popular Local Attraction
One way to get your car wash’s name out there is by sponsoring a local school sports team or another popular attraction in your area.
This could be anything from Little League to the local school. By having your name on their jerseys or arena, you’ll be getting great exposure to both new customers and existing customers.
Have a Grand Opening Event or Anniversary Event
Another way to advertise your business is by hosting a grand opening event (for a new business) or anniversary event. This is an exciting way to get new customers in the door and try out your car wash for the first time.
At special events, you can offer special pricing, freebies, free food, or other activities to bring in larger crowds. You can also use special events like these as an opportunity to introduce any new services or products you might be offering.
Get Involved in the Community
One way to endear your business to your target audience is by getting involved in the community. This could be anything from sponsoring a charity event to hosting a food drive.
By giving back to the community, you’ll not only be helping others, but you’ll also be gaining some good publicity for your business. This is a great way to build brand awareness and loyalty among possible customers and your customer base.
Offer Free Washes
Not many people can turn down something free. By giving away a free wash for their first wash, you encourage customers to try out your service.
This way they can compare your car wash to the one they typically use, and if your service is of good quality, consumers will continue for paid washes.
A rewards program is a great way to encourage current customers to continue using your wash. By offering a discount coupon or freebies after a certain number of visits, you’ll be sure to see customers coming back.
Having a loyalty program is also a great way to upsell customers on other services or products you might offer.
You can promote your loyalty club on your business website, on social media, or through in-store signage. This is a great way to increase your number of returning customers and build customer loyalty.
Thinking outside the box can separate you from the rest of the competition, and get your car wash business out in a way no one else can.
Working with an experienced company like Transchem and Turtle Wax Pro
Implementing a strong marketing strategy to ultimately increase business for you car wash can be difficult.
Transchem and Turtle Wax Pro are not only car wash suppliers, we are companies dedicated in helping your business succeed.
We understand that just owning a car wash is only a small fraction behind operating a car wash, marketing it is a must.
We have decades of experience helping car washes of all types and sizes, and thus, can provide a superior level of guidance that can help your car wash business gain market share and increase customers.
It's obvious how important advertising is to suceeding in the car wash market. By utilizing some of the advertising ideas mentioned, you can increase brand awareness to your car wash and bring in more traffic.
Advertising is an incredible powerful tool that can skyrocket the success of your business. If you believe that your car wash business could improve it's advertising, don't hesitate to get in contact with us! We at Transchem and Turtle Wax Pro can provide some guidance on how to seperate yourself from the rest of the market.
25
May
Car Wash Chemicals
•
0 min read
Best Car Wash Soap for 2022: How To Choose The Top Soap For Your Car Wash
car wash
car wash soap
soap manufacturer
Mack Ewing
Director, Strategic Initiatives
Cleaning vehicles is the best way to maintain them and keep them looking like new. The best car wash soaps will remove dirt, grime, and other buildup without damaging the paint or clear coat.
Turtle Wax Pro has been a providing high quality chemistry for over 75 years. Our products achieve better results than the rest on the market while being formulated without any phosphates, hydrofluoric acid or ammonium bifluoride.
Turtle Wax Pro is just one option and many people will have their own opinion on the the top rated car wash soap. There is a never-ending amount of choices for car care products. Hopefully this list of criteria will help you reach a decision on the best car wash soap for you.
What is Car Wash Soap?
Car wash soap (or car shampoo) is a specially formulated detergent that is designed to remove dirt, grime, and other contaminants from your vehicle's surface.
It is important to use a car wash soap that is specifically designed for washing cars because regular household detergents can actually damage your car's paint and finish.
Sidebar: What is the Difference Between Soap and Detergent?
Soap and detergent are both cleaning products, but they are made from different materials and have different purposes.
Soap is made from natural materials like vegetable oils or animal fats. It is effective at cleaning dirt and grease, and it is biodegradable.
Detergent, on the other hand, is made from synthetic materials and is designed to clean in more difficult water situations. It is also more effective at cleaning oily stains.
For the purposes of this article you may see us refer to our products colloquially (informally), as both soap and detergent, but Turtle Wax Pro products are formulated as detergents!
Why Do You Need Car Wash Soap?
Car washing may seem like a simple task but the details do matter. Using the right soap to clean vehicles is a basic but vital step in achieving great results.
Obviously, some sort of soap is necessary in order to properly clean a car. A well formulated soap will remove all of the dirt, road grime, dust, swirl marks and insect bits that have built up on a car's surface.
Additionally, car wash liquid is designed to be gentle on a vehicle's surface. It will not strip away wax or polish like some household detergents can.
Existing Contaminants Can Be Harmful To A Vehicle
Road grime, dirt and other contaminants can be very abrasive, and if not removed properly, can cause damage to your vehicle.
For example, if you live in an area with a lot of clay in the soil, that clay is fine enough that it can become embedded in your vehicle's paint and cause permanent damage.
Can you use Dish Soap to Wash your Car?
Let's just say the secret to achieving a spot free car wash is not using dish soap on vehicles.
Dish soap is not designed for vehicles, and can actually strip away the wax or protective coatings on your car. This will leave your car paint unprotected and susceptible to damage.
Dish soap is formulated to remove oil and grease from dishes, which is why it is so effective at cutting through sealants. So while dish soap might get your car clean in the short term, it will actually cause more damage in the long run.
How to Use Car Wash Soap?
The process for a DIY car wash and a professional car wash are actually quite similar. The main difference is the amount of water and soap that is used.
Automated car washes will have machinery that will take care of the majority of steps that the DIY or self serve car washer would need to do by hand.
We recommend following the instructions listed on the product, but a general guide for the best car wash is as follows:
Start by rinsing your car with water to remove any loose dirt or debris.
Apply the car wash soap to a wet sponge or cloth and wash your car in small sections, starting from the top and working your way down.
Rinse the soap off your car with water (ideally a pressure washer)
Dry it with a clean microfiber towel (or microfiber wash mitt) to ensure a streak free finish.
Dialling in the correct wash settings in a tunnel or in bay automatic.
The Turtle Wax Pro team has over 75 years of experience formulating car care products. Our amazing service team are passionate experts that are always on hand to offer advice and support.
We've got a lot of documentation and expertise around our products and cleaning cars. That means we're able to set up any wash to run at peak performance within a short period of time!
Hyper-Concentrates
At Turtle Wax Pro our detergents are all hyper-concentrated. This means that you need less detergent to achieve the same quality results when compared to other brands.
Investing in a High Quality Car Wash Soap
It is also important to discuss how car wash soaps can differ. In short, there are three main types of car wash soap:
Budget soaps (Most of our competitors) that will get the job done (kinda) but might not be as gentle on your cars or equipment.
Mid-grade soaps (Transchem's Autolux Line) that strike a balance between price and quality.
Premium soaps (Turtle Wax Pro) that cost more but offer the best possible results.
When it comes to car care, you get what you pay for. Investing in a high quality commercial car wash soap will save you money in all the ways we've previously mentioned. It also offers the best results to make your customers keep coming back for more. Keep in mind it is possible to offer an affordable car wash even with premium soaps.
Choosing a Premium Manufacturer like Turtle Wax Pro
The amount of options for car wash soaps on the market today can be overwhelming. However, the importance of choosing a high quality car wash soap can not be overstated.
Our products are formulated with the latest car care technology to deliver outstanding results and our team of experts are always available to answer any questions you may have.
We're passionate about what we do and we want to help you get the most out of your car wash business. We know that our success is built on your success.
How does the Soap you Choose Affect your Car Wash Business?
The car care industry is a competitive one and choosing the right products can make or break your business.
If you're using lower quality car wash soaps, shampoos, and other products it will reflect in the quality of your car wash.
Your customers will notice this and it will ultimately hurt your bottom line.
Achieving the Perfect Wash
The goal for everyone in the car wash industry is to be able to provide consumers with the perfect wash. There are numerous aspects to consistently providing that level of service and your chemistry is the backbone.
To achieve the ultimate wash, you don't just need quality products. You also need those products to work together in harmony.
Turtle Wax Pro products are never formulated on their own and often go through months or years of testing alongside our existing products. This ensures that they will play nice with each other and provide you with the results that you expect.
How to choose the right soap?
There are a few things you'll want to keep in mind when choosing the proper car wash soap for you.
Frequency of Washing
The ideal frequency for the best car wash is about once per week.
This ensures that the customer's car is getting cleaned on a regular basis and the finishing products are working properly to protect and maintain the paint.
Turtle Wax Pro products are formulated with this frequency in mind.
Without getting too heavily into the science, washing a car regularly will actually make the car easier to clean and shinier with each additional wash.*
The Environment
If being green is important to you then you'll want to look for a commercial car wash detergent that is biodegradable and gentle on the environment.
These soaps are just as effective at cleaning your car but won't have a negative impact on the planet.
Turtle Wax Pro is proud to say that all of our products are formulated with the environment in mind. The majority of our North American product lineup is Ecologo Certified. A certification that we drafted with regulators for high levels of environmental consciousness.
Water Quality
Water quality will differ based on your location. If you're using city water then it's likely that the water is already pretty hard.
This means that it has a higher concentration of minerals like calcium and magnesium. If you live in an area with softer water, then you don't have to worry about this as much.
It's important to be mindful of what water you have and if you should make any changes to it before you decide to run your car wash business.
Most car wash soaps will not be as effective when used with hard water and will fail to produce the thick foam required for total surface coverage. There are some specially formulated soaps that are designed to work with hard water, but typically we recommend installing some type of water solution instead.
These options will remove or modify minerals from the water that cause it to be hard, and will leave you with water that's ideal for a spot free wash.
Will Car Wash Soap Damage My Clear Coat or Sealant?
The short answer is: no it won't. Since soap is meant to clean, you may think any finishing product (car wax or ceramic) that was previously applied may be compromised after a wash.
What do surface protectants do for vehicles?
Waxes and sealants are designed to form a barrier between the painted surface and the elements. They often protect against UV rays, water spots, bird droppings and road film that could potentially damage a car's surface.
So, does using soap affect the car's wax or sealant?
As long as you're using a quality detergent that is designed for use with protected surfaces, you will not damage the wax or sealant. In fact, regular car washing is actually beneficial for maintaining the longevity of these products.*
But if you use the wrong kind of soap, it is possible that it could remove that protective barrier.
Specialized Car Wash Soaps
You may have a specific need that an ordinary soap cannot supply. We'll go through the common different specialized soaps. As well as explaining when you might want to use them.
Wash and Wax Car Soap
As the name implies, these soaps are designed to both clean and protect your car in one step.
Wash and wax car soaps typically contain Carnauba wax, which is a natural form of protection for your car's paint. But the wax formula can differ depending on the product.
With a wash and wax product it is generally hard to achieve a streak free finish or avoid swirl marks due to it's application process.
These are typically offered to DIY washing car owners who regularly wash their car in their driveway and protect their car's finish all at once
You'll also sometimes find this type of product in a low end car detailing shop
Carnauba Wax
Pure carnauba is one of the hardest, most durable forms of protection you can put on your car. It's often used in products that are designed to protect the paint on boats and other vehicles that are exposed to harsh conditions.
So, if you're looking for a soap that will both clean and protect your car's paint but also be a low commitment method to achieving that wax protection, wash and wax soaps might be the right choice.
However, the wax protection wash and wax soaps provide is not as durable or long lasting as other surface protectants. Premium carnauba wax can last up to 12 months but will likely last much less time in wax soap combination product.
Hard Water Soaps
As we mentioned before, if you live in an area with hard water, you'll need to take that into consideration when operating your car wash.
Most auto soap will not be as effective when used with hard water. Hard water affects the quality of your chemistry and could be a major factor in producing lacklustre cleaning results.
A water softener or reverse osmosis system are recommended solutions for water hardness, but there are some special car wash soaps that are designed to work with hard water.
Hard water soaps are formulated to be slightly more acidic than other car wash soaps. This helps to break down the minerals in hard water that can cause streaking and spots on the car's paint job.
Hard water soaps are formulated for people with less options or no options for dealing with hard water in their water supply
Wheel Cleaner
Iron stains can become apparent on vehicles, especially on car wheels. While regular car wash soaps can help to remove some of the brake dust and grime that builds up on wheels, they are not always effective at removing iron stains.
A wheel cleaner is a specialized product that is designed to remove these types of stains. Wheel cleaners typically contain an acid, which helps to break down the iron molecules that cause the staining.
Most wheel cleaners are safe to use on all types of wheels, but it is always best to read the product label to be sure.
Waterless Wash (or No Rinse Wash) Soaps
A waterless car wash soap is a quick and easy way to clean your car without having to do a rinse wash at the end. As the name suggests, you don't need water (or very little) to use these soaps.
Waterless washes are perfect for people who want to clean their car but don't have access to a hose or water source. Some waterless washes also come in a foaming formula, which makes them even easier to use.
A no rinse wash product is also a good option if you purposely want to avoid using water altogether. You simply spray the soap on your car and wipe it off with a microfiber towel/wash mitt.
These are formulated more for the home user rather than a business but can be a convenient option to some car owners.
Why Does pH Level Matter?
pH is a scale that is used to measure how acidic or basic (not the white girl kind) a solution is. It is an important aspect to consider when looking at the proper car wash soap for your business.
The scale goes from 0 to 14, with 0 being the most acidic, 14 being the most basic, and pH level of seven being neutral.
We will do a complete breakdown of how pH level affects cleaning in a future blog post but for now here is a rough breakdown:
Low pH
Low pH detergents or presoaks are effective at attacking inorganic material found on vehicle surfaces. This includes things like brake dust, road grime, salt and heavy dirt particles. A low pH car wash soap is typically considered to be in the range of 0-4.
High pH
High pH soaps are better at attacking organic material, like bugs, grease and tree sap. High pH chemicals are effective at breaking down proteins found in these organic materials. A high pH car wash soap is typically considered to be in the range of 11-14.
Neutral pH
There are also some soaps that have a neutral pH level (also known as pH balanced). A pH neutral formula can be used on all types of cars, regardless of how dirty they are.
pH balanced soaps won't be as effective at attacking either inorganic or organic materials, but they are a good option for people who want an all-purpose soap for the entire car.
Neutral pH soaps typically have a pH level of around five to eight.
Which pH level should you pick?
Picking the best car wash soap by pH level depends entirely on your wash setup, location, water quality, and what type of dirt/grime you are trying to remove.
For the ultimate wash it will be best to use both a low pH and high pH soap in your wash process. This will ensure that all types of dirt and grime are removed from the vehicle.
In most situations it's best to start with the high pH cleaners and work towards creating a low pH environment to help the finishing products adhere to the vehicle's surface.
We recommend getting in touch with a car wash chemical supplier like Turtle Wax Pro to see what kind setup is right for you.
Hyper-Concentrated Car Wash Soap
Hyper-concentrated car wash soap is the future of the car wash industry.
It involves the chemicals being in heavily concentrated form (very little water content) and the end-user (car washes) diluting the concentration to the correct ratio.
Hyper-concentrated chemistry ensures:
Lower shipping costs as more product will take up less space
Reduced environmental impact by using less packaging and plastic
Easier to physically move and dispense product
Allows business to stock up on more product as it will take up less room
This ensures every ounce of a product applied to a vehicle is cleaning efficiently with less water, while producing even better results.
We highly recommend you look at a company that uses hyper-concentration for its chemistry for all of these benefits.
The Best Car Wash Soaps
The best car wash soap is an opinionated topic. We at Turtle Wax Pro truly believe we offer the best car wash soap on the market.
Our detergents are available in a variety of pH levels to help you overcome challenging cleaning conditions.
High-lubricity detergents produce a rich, dense foam that gently deep-cleans for scratch free cleaning.
We have products with multiple scent options and offer SKUs that are effective in friction, touchless and self-serve (pressure washer) car wash scenarios.
The truly amazing part of our soap options is that:
They are all designed to work perfectly with any of our other offerings to ensure you're creating the cleanest, shiniest and driest cars possible.
To Summarize
The significance that soap holds to a car wash cannot be overstated. It is essential for keeping vehicles not only clean and shiny but also for maintaining the vehicle's finish.
The car wash formula you choose will depend on the kind of car wash you have, as well as what you want to include in your wash process.
That's right, the soap included in that car wash kit might not the right choice for you.
The process of choosing the best car wash products can be tricky but we are here to help.
Contact us today to learn more about our top car wash soaps and how to choose the right chemistry for your business.
*Finishing products like waxes and ceramics create a hydrophobic barrier on the car's finish. This protective coating helps repel water and dirt, making it harder for contaminants to reach and stick to the surface of a vehicle. This makes them continually easier to remove after each wash.
1
Dec
Car Wash Chemicals
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0 min read
How to Select Your Car Wash Chemical Supplier
car wash soap
car wash supplier
eco friendly
soap manufacturer
If you're in the car wash business, then you know that choosing the right car wash chemical supplier is essential to your success. There are many different suppliers out there, so it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you.
There are many factors you should consider when selecting a car wash supplier and we will help narrow down the decision for you.
What do we mean by a car wash chemical supplier?
A car wash chemical supplier is like a partner in your car wash business endeavors. They supply your business with the car wash products you need to clean, dry, and shine vehicles.
Your supplier will play an instrumental role in your car wash's success as having a strong supplier-operator relationship will keep your business in tip-top operating shape as needs, challenges, and opportunities are always changing in the car wash industry.
What car wash chemicals do you need?
Part of choosing a car wash chemical supplier will involve you having an idea of what type of chemicals your business needs. The chemicals used in car washes vary depending on the situation, with some being common (e.g. soap) while others (detailing supplies, clay bars), or other interior products only being used occasionally.
We will cover some of the more necessary chemical options that any type of car wash will use, whether you are a tunnel wash, truck wash, in-bay automatic, or self serve car wash.
Car wash soap is one of the most important car wash chemicals. These soaps (also called detergents or shampoos) are exterior cleaners, specifically designed to be gentle on car surfaces while still removing dirt, debris, and other contaminants. This separates them from other industrial cleaners.
Surface protectants are car wash chemicals that help to protect car surfaces from damage and may even offer some shine.
These car wash chemicals can help to keep car surfaces free from light marks, UV rays, and other light damage.
Surface protectants come in various forms such as ceramic coatings, waxes, sealants, and metal polishes. They will vary in the amount of protection and shine they can offer.
Tire cleaners are car wash chemicals that are designed to clean the tires of a car. These car wash chemicals can help to remove dirt, debris, and build-up from car tires. Tire cleaners are often used in conjunction with the more specialty product, tire shine, or tire dressings.
Drying agents are car wash chemicals that help to dry car surfaces after the car has been washed.
These car wash chemicals can help to reduce water spots and ensure that car surfaces are completely dry by helping water wick off the vehicle's surface.
Specialty products are products that are used in specific instances. They are not used at every car wash and are formulated to work in less common circumstances such as tar removers.
The Impact of Car Wash Chemistry
Car wash chemistry is what drives the industry! It is what so effectively cleans, shines, and dries cars to look as good as they do, making it a routine service that customers get done for their cars.
However, not all car wash chemicals are created equal. Some are formulated with harsh ingredients that not only will leave you with subpar results but may also be bad for the environment. Quality car wash chemicals will be made up of premium ingredients allowing your car wash to produce some of the cleanest and best-looking vehicles around.
The Secret to Effective Car Cleaning
Any car wash can choose random chemicals and clean vehicles with them. But they will likely be left with poor results as their chemical selection has not tuned for their situation.
The secret to effective car cleaning is optimal chemical selection. Specific chemicals can be selected as they perform well during specific weather conditions in that area with precise amounts of product being used.
Great chemistry will also work synergistically to set up the next chemical stage for better performance.
With all of these aspects chosen correctly, you will be left with fantastic results that will be sure to impress your consumer base.
What else can your car wash supplier do for your business?
Chemistry is not the only thing you can expect out of your car wash supplier. Your supplier can help monitor your results, offer suggestions, aid in problem-solving, help with marketing efforts, equipment-related concerns, and more.
You should see your supplier as a partner in your business and select them accordingly.
It takes a level of trust, dedication, and focus for your car wash business to be successful, and having a supplier you cannot rely on can cause issues down the road.
Product Consistency
The car wash market is a competitive one, and customers will often go to the car washes that offer the best results.
This means that car washes must use car wash chemicals consistently in order for them to produce consistent results.
Car wash chemical suppliers can help car washes ensure product consistency with accurate measurements, reliable formulas.
Turtle Wax Pro and Transchem Group keep batch samples for a minimum of one year to ensure car washes are getting the same product every time. If there are any issues from operators or distributors, we can look back at the batch samples to ensure the formulation was correct.
Shipping Capabilities
It is important that car wash chemical suppliers have a reliable shipping network so car washes can receive their products in the most efficient manner possible.
Turtle Wax Pro and Transchem Group have an extensive network of shipping partners to ensure car washes and car wash distributors get their chemistry when they need it. We do our best to keep shipping times in North America under 7 business days from the time of your order.
Customer Service
Finally, having car wash suppliers with great customer service is key.
Your car wash chemical supplier should be there for you when you need them most.
At Turtle Wax Pro and Transchem Group, we have a team of experienced car wash industry professionals that can answer any questions or help solve car wash issues you may have. We pride ourselves on longstanding relationships with car washes and car wash distributors, allowing us to have a greater understanding of their needs.
Turtle Wax Pro is an industry leader in car care products. Turtle Wax has a 97% brand recognition for a reason, they make the best chemistry on the market.
We have decades of experience supporting car wash businesses from tunnel washes to truck washes with chemistry and much more. Our expertise has given us a strong focus on prioritizing relationships within the car wash industry. You can rely on us to help your business stand out from the rest!